PERU EXPLORER

This comprehensive journey through Peru is a collision of ancient historical tradition and the unrivalled natural beauty of the Amazon. This epic tour explores the best this beautiful country has to offer, from the coastal Ballestas to the centre of Peruvian beliefs at Lake Titicaca. Experience some of the world's most breathtaking mountain scenery, along with some of the Inca's finest archaeological sites. The mysterious Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon's condors, and the option to hike the Inca Trail's stone steps to the lost city of Machu Picchu are all ready and waiting for your arrival. This 22 day tour reveals a varied and wonderful blend of Peru's many treasures.

Included Highlights

Visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu

Option to hike the Inca Trail

Two nights exploring the Amazon rainforest including a night canoe trip

Explore Lake Titicaca's floating reed islands

Visit Pachacamac Fortress

Two nights exploring the Amazon rainforest including canoe trips and jungle walks

Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

Download Trip Dossier (2016 version)

Download the Peru Explorer trip dossier for tour-specific details including full itinerary, pre-departure information, packing tips and more about our style of travel.

Our optional activities offer the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don't. Below are the main optional activities for this trip which can be arranged once you are on tour via your tour leader and paid for locally. Please note that not all optional activities may available on every tour and prices are subject to change.

Day
1-2:
Lima

Arrive into Lima on day one with the rest of the day at leisure. A welcome note will be left in the hotel reception explaining whether you meet the guide and group on the evening of day 1 or the following morning, please check this upon arrival to the hotel. On day two you'll get the chance to start your Peruvian adventure as you mean to go on and with a city tour of all the main highlights from the capital, including the Plaza de Armas and the Palace of Torre Eagle. A highlight is the incredible church of San Francisco, which houses one of the oldest libraries in the Americas and sits on top of a labyrinthine network of catacombs which still house the bones of Lima's wealthy 18th and 19th century residents.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast (x1) included

Day
3:
Paracas

Head south to Paracas via the Pachacamac Fortress, the Incas' largest coastal city at the time of the conquest. Pucusana is a picturesque fishing village and presents your first chance to discover life outside of the city. Fresh fish, boat rides and a stroll around the village make this a thoroughly worthwhile stop over to enjoy a late lunch prior to continuing onwards to Paracas and your overnight accommodation. Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Day
4:
Ballestas Islands and Nazca

Continue southwards to the bird abundant shores of the Ballestas Islands before passing pre-Inca rock carvings and the famous Nazca Lines. Often described as Peru's answer to Galapagos, the Ballestas Islands are covered in sea-lions and hundreds of birds. You'll be treated to an amazing marine life spectacle as you travel by boat before heading to the mysterious lines of Nazca. The Nazca viewing platform is included but you may wish to opt for (and highly recommended) scenic flight.

Nazca is home to the interesting Ica archaeological museum, and of course the famous Nazca Lines. These are one of the world's great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous figures and patterns etched in the desert sand, viewed from the elevated position of the viewing platforms. There should also be time for optional visits to the nearby Antonini archaeological museum, a pre-Inca cemetery, or the Nazca Aqueduct, which gives an insight into the Nazca civilisation's ingenious subterranean irrigation system.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Day
5:
Arequipa

Take in the desert dunes before they morph into the Pacific as you journey into the mountains of Arequipa. Although this is a long drive day, it does offer travellers the chance to sit back and appreciate the changing scenery which helps to paint a more comprehensive picture of the country.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Day
6:
Arequipa

Set within the shadow of the Misti Volcano, the UNESCO World Heritage 'White City' of Arequipa is awash with cathedrals, monasteries, parks and gardens. Visit the Cathedral, the Jesuit church of La Compania and the huge serene Monastery of Santa Catalina, which retains typical features from the 16th and 17th centuries and is a peaceful refuge for the nuns who still live there today.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
7:
Colca Canyon

Today's all about volcanoes, vicunas (relative of the llama family) and highlands as you cross the Patapampa Pass and head into the Colca Canyon before acclimatising overnight in nearby Chivay.

NB: As you'll be staying overnight at high altitude (over 3,000 metres) the chances are that you'll be starting to feel the effects. We advise you to get acclimatised gradually and carefully by resting and taking on board lots of fluids (excluding alcohol). Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
8:
Colca Canyon

Welcome to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons. Start the day early to view condors who ride the morning drafts with their huge wings that can stretch up to 3.2 metres! Walking to cliff face tombs and colonial churches, whilst Andean Condors soar overhead, is a great way to spend a day. There's nothing better than rounding off a good day's walk with a visit to the thermal springs. It's also possible to undertake a short stroll around the surrounding farmsteads and rural landscapes for some further discovery and relaxation.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
9:
Puno and Sillustani

Explore the fascinating burial towers of Sillustani Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo near Puno. The tombs, which are built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, are the vestiges of the Colla people. Continue your journey to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
10:
Lake Titicaca

Spend a full day on and around Lake Titicaca, visiting the descendants of the Uros Indians, who live on islands of floating reeds. Other than a few modest concessions to the modern world, the people still live as their ancestors would have done centuries ago. Everything is built of reeds including their homes, the ground their homes are built (and float) on, and items they use around the house. An afternoon of exploration with short walks is designed to highlight the culture of the indigenous groups who inhabit the small towns and villages alongside the lake. Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
11:
Cusco

Crossing the high plains is an incredible experience. As you enjoy the scenery you'll stop en route at pre-Inca towns and ancient temples, before finding yourself in Cusco.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Day
12:
Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo

Cusco is blessed with an abundance of architectural heritage and as you tour the markets, squares and Inca ruins you'll be well aware that tomorrow, if chosen, will present the start of your expedition to one of the most famous citadels of all, Machu Picchu.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Day
13-15:
Cusco (Non-Hikers)

Today the group divides between those doing the Inca Trail and those staying in Cusco. The hikers will head to the trailhead for the first day of trekking from Km 82 to the hamlet of Huayllabamba, while the rest of the group will return to Cusco.

For those not hiking on the Inca Trail, there's an abundance of optional activities in Cusco including visits to the sites of Pikillacta and Tipon to the south of Cusco, exploration of the colonial religious monuments in Cuzco or hikes in the surrounding hills. Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast (x3) included

Day
16:
Machu Picchu (Non-Hikers)

An early departure from Cusco takes you by train to Aguas Calientes and a bus takes you the remainder of the way to the site with plenty of free time to explore. This is such an exceptional site and from meditative reflection to learning about the innovation and endurance of the Incas, there's a lot to absorb. Every effort has been made to ensure you get the most from your once in a lifetime visit.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast

Day
13:
Inca Trail - Vilcanota River (Hikers)

NB: If you opt for the Inca Trail walking option, there's no additional cost but this MUST be confirmed at the time of booking. If you want to hike the Inca Trail, we advise you to book early. In order to preserve the Inca Trail and its surroundings, the Peruvian authorities currently limit the number of Inca Trail Permits to 500 per day, inclusive of porters and hiking staff. These permits are often sold out four to five months in advance, especially for the popular summer months, and we cannot reserve permits. As soon as you book we'll request a permit for you once they go on sale.

Leave Cusco early this morning and drive to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, commonly known as Km 82. The trail runs alongside the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snow-capped Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and fields of corn towards the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, where you'll camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba. Today is mostly flat except for the last few hours, the perfect introduction to the Inca Trail and good practice for the following day.Accommodation: Full service camping included | Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day
14:
Inca Trail - Dead Woman's Pass (Hikers)

This is the longest and most strenuous day of the hike where you follow the Inca steps uphill most of the day. A long climb takes you first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's) Pass, at 4,234 metres, the highest point on the hike. After a steep descent, camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo river (3,600 metres). It's a peaceful spot where you'll have ample time to reflect on the ingenuity and spirit of the Incas.Accommodation: Full service camping included | Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day
15:
Inca Trail - Runquracay Pass / Phuyupatamarca (Hikers)

It's time to tackle a more sedate gradient as you walk to the Runquracay Pass via the ruins of Runquracay. At almost 4,000 metres, it's a beautiful pathway past the Sayajmarca ruins, into a rainforest and through an Inca tunnel. This evening's sunset, from your overnight encampment above the site of Phuyupatamarca, should be unforgettable and early risers will be treated to an equally impressive sunrise. Accommodation: Full service camping included | Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day
16:
Inca Trail - Machu Picchu (Hikers)

Today's the day that you've always dreamt of and as you descend the world-famous Inca stone stairway past the ruins of Winay Wayna and Inti Punku (The Gate of the Sun) you'll get your first glimpse of the fabled ruined citadel of Machu Picchu. This is a sight to savour and if you can't wait until tomorrow morning's dawn tour then additional entry tickets can be purchased on arrival for approx. US$50 - your tour leader will assist with this.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Day
17:
Machu Picchu (Group Reunites) - Cusco

An early start promises the chance to catch Machu Picchu at its quietest and most intense. After an opportunity to swim in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes, you make your way back to Cusco by train, stopping in Ollyantaytambo where you swap to a coach for the remainder of the visit.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
18:
Cusco

A guided tour of Cusco and the surrounding area enables you to compare sites with yesterday's Inca experience. Outside the town are Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. The centre of the town is framed by the main Square, the Plaza de Armas, which you'll visit as well as many examples of the famous Inca stonework including the Coricancha Sun Temple located in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery. Cusco is a warm and welcoming city and it is not uncommon to see locals in their traditional dress walking their llamas through the centre. Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
19:
Cusco

Today is yours to do with as you wish. You're presented with the chance to indulge in religious art history or to discover the earthquake defying 12-Angled Stone. For the foodies amongst you, why not sample the local delicacy of guinea pig, a firm favourite with the locals - we hear it tastes a lot like chicken!Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Breakfast included

Day
20:
Amazon Rainforest

Leave Cusco behind as you travel by plane and boat into the Amazon Rainforest. Take boat trip to your lodge in the Tambopata Reserve, spotting Caimans, River Turtles, colourful birdlife and waterfowl along the way. After some time to settle in, enjoy a short walk along the forest trails near the lodge to look for nocturnal animals. Your time in the Amazon Rainforest is an incredible experience, and reveals a side to Peru many travellers don't see. You'll experience the Amazon from the comfort of a small boat, as well as on foot as you explore the rainforest and all it has to offer. Accommodation: Lodge accommodation included | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day
21:
Amazon Rainforest

Explorations on land, water or high up in the rainforest canopy allows you to get ever closer to the wildlife of the Amazon. Activities will vary according to the lodge used, but will generally include a mixture of walks along the forest trails in search of wildlife, time spent in canoes to explore rainforest lakes, and the opportunity to get high into the canopy for a completely different view of the forest that you'll never forget. The resident guides are normally around in the evening to answer questions and bestow their knowledge. Tonight, take a canoe out onto the river to search for Caiman by torchlight. Accommodation: Lodge accommodation included | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day
22:
Lima

All good things must come to an end and as you bid the Amazon farewell and fly back to Lima you'll be laden with stories and adventures that you'll be able to recount for many years to come. Meals: Breakfast included

There are no forced supplements for single travellers.
Accommodation is based on twin-share, so if you're travelling on your own, you'll share with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space our Solo Sleeper Option can be requested from
per person. This will guarantee you your own room for every night of the tour except the 2 nights in the Amazon (and a single tent if you are doing the Inca Trail option). The number of single rooms we can offer is limited, so it's best to book early. Simply select the "Solo Sleepers" check box on the booking form or request over the phone.

Important Notes

We highly recommend you book this trip at least 60 days prior to departure. Reservations received within 30 days will be on request and subject to availability of en-route accommodation.

An upgrade to premium accommodation is available on selected departures of this tour.

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer tailor-made private departures for any of our published tours enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Tailored itineraries and departure dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions).

At Grand American Adventures we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday.

We recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. You MUST be covered by insurance that includes adequate coverage for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation. We can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance policy which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed.